Control for refrigerating systems



Jan. 14, 1941. COQNS CQNTROL FOR REFRIGERATING SYSTEMS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 16, 1937 HI HHHHHHIHHHI Illlllllllll llllllllllll II [i ll INVENTOR l llllll lllllllllllllllll lllllllllllllll4ll |||llllllllllllllllllllllll llllllll! llllllllll mm W mm mm ATTORN EY Jan. 14, 1941. c. c. COONS 2,228,343

CONTROL FOR REFRIGERATING SYSTEMS INVENTOR brim I C0 0228 JmWA- M ATTORNEY Jail. 14, 1941. c Q Q N 2,228,343

CONTROL FOR REFR IGERATING SYSTEMS Filed June 16, 193"! 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 l37-f gill QHZ "5 Isl H'- H8 -ll7 f yl INVENTOR ATTORN EY Patented Jan. 14, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

The corporation of Ohio Igoover Company, North Canton, Ohio, a

Application June 16, 1937, Serial No. 148,424

26 Claims.

This invention relates to absorption refrigeration systems and more particularly to electrical and mechanical control apparatus for said systems. Absorption refrigerating systems operated by heat and an electrical motor or the like for circulating inert gas therein are well-known. It has been proposed to provide such a system with a heater for the boiler operated by gas or the like and to provide an electrical inotor for drivmg a fan or other device for circulating the inert gas between the evaporator and the absorber It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel control means for an absorption refrigerating system which will insure proper operation of the system at all times.

Itis a "further object of the invention to pror vide a novel control system for an absorption refrigerating system of the type above referred to which will positively insure proper synchronization, at all times, between the operation of the gas burner and the electrical motor driving the inert gas fan. 1

It is a further object of the invention to provide a simple and convenient arrangement of the control for the gas valve and electric motor of an absorption refrigerating system.-

It is a further object of the invention to provide a control system for the gas burner and electrical motor controlled by a single dial.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a control system of the type referred to wherein a single thermally responsive element controls both the gas valve and the electrical motor.

It is an object of one form of the invention so to relate the controls for the gas valve and electric motor that they are operated on and off simulta'neously.

It is an object of another form of the invention so to relate the controls for the gas valve and electric motor that the action of the switch controlling the electric motor is delayed with respect to the action of the gas valve.

Other objects and advantages resident in the novel arrangement of parts and constructional features will be apparent from the following.description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an absorption refrigerating system using inert gas and having a gas circulating fan driven by 1 electric motor. The diagram also illustrates diagrammatically the control apparatus for the systern. 2

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the controlling g5 mechanism of one form of the invention.

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the mechanism of Figure 2 taken on the line 3-3 of Fi ure 2.

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic viewof another form of the invention.

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a third form of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail and first to Figure 1 thereof, it will be apparent that an absorption refrigerating system is illustrated 10 comprising a boiler B, a rectifier R, a condenser C, an evaporator E, an inert gas circulating fan F, and an absorber A. These elements are connected by various pipes to form a continuous absorption refrigerating system. Pipe l0 conveys l5 vapor from the boiler to the rectifier R wherein entrained water vapor is condensed and returned by gravity to the boiler B. From the rectifier R.

a pipe ll conveys ammonia vapor to the condenser 0 wherein it is liquefied and discharged 20 through the pipe 12 into the evaporator E. An inert gas, such as nitrogen is conveyed from the fan F by means of a conduit i3 into the evaporator E wherein the liquid refrigerant discharged from the pipe l2 vaporizes into the inert gas 25 to form a mixture of inert gas and vaporized refrigerant which is discharged from the evaporator into the lower part of the absorber A through pipe Hi. In the absorber A the refrigerant vapor contained in the gas mixture dis- 30 charged thereinto from pipe [4 is absorbed by absorption liquid and the inert gas returns to fan i F through conduit l5. After the ammonia contained in the solution in boiler B has been vapor- "ized the weak absorption liquid is conveyed to the 35 absorber A by means of conduit "5. The strong solution discharged from the absorber A through conduit ll collects in a collecting vessel 18 and is returned therefrom to the boiler B through the conduit l9. In order that absorption liquid 40 may be lifted from the level of the boiler to the top of the absorber a portion of the inert gas discharged by the circulating fan F is conveyed by means of conduit 20 to a portion of conduit I6 well below the free surface of the liquid in 45 the boiler in order that the absorption liquid may be elevated to the upper end of the absorber by gas lift action. Conduits l3 and H forming part of the inert gas circulating system are in heat exchange relation. Likewise conduits 50 I6 and I9 forming part of the absorption liquid circuit arev in heat exchange relation.

A gas burner 2! is mounted on the apparatus in position to heat the boiler B in any suitable manner. Fuel is supplied from a suitable source through a conduit 22, valve 23, a conduit 24 and a safety cut-off valve 25. Safety cut-off valve 25 which is provided with a thermostat 26 positioned to be heated by the burner flame, prevents the supply of gas to the burner when an igniting flame is not adjacent thereto. The usual bypass 21 is provided around the valve 23 to provide an igniting flame on the burner. If desired the pilot or igniting flame could be provided by a separate small burner connected to the gas line ahead of the valve 23; in this event the safety cut-off valve would be in the line 22 ahead of the small burner connection.

Circulating fan F is driven by an electric motor 28. Electrical energy is supplied to motor 28 by means of supply wires 29 and 39. Wire 29 leads directly to the motor 28 through the defrosting switch 92. Wire 30 leads to a switch 3| which is connected to the motor by means of a wire 32.

Gas valve '23 and electric switch M are actuated by a thermal snap acting disc 34 positioned to be responsive to evaporator temperature.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, it will be seen that the control mechanism is inclosed within a housing 35-rigidly secured to the top forward portion of the evaporator by means of bolts 36. Housing 35 ispositioned just to the rear of a control panel 31 extending upwardly above the front portion of the evaporator. The open top of housing 55 is closed by means of a, flat plate 38 secured thereto at its corner by bolts 39. The rear wall 48 of housing 35 is provided with a pair of rearwardly projecting connecting nipples 4| and 42 connected respectively to gas pipes 22 and 24. By-pass pipe 2? is formed in the projecting nipple members 4! and 42 and is regulated by a needle valve 43. A valve housing 44 of the valve 23 is secured to the inside of wall 49 opposite nipples 4i and 42 by means of bolts 45.

Valve housing 44 is formed with a valve chamber 46 enclosing a valve plug 47. Chamber 66 is closed by a closure plate 48 secured thereto by bolts. 49 passing through member 44. A plurality of shim washers 50 are interposed between the members 44 and 48 to seal the valve chamber 46and to provide a means for adjusting the valveopening. Nipples 4i and 62 are connected with the" interior of valve chamber 65 by means of passages 55 and 52 respectively. A packing material 53 is interposed between member 44 and wall 40 in order to seal passages 5! and 52.

Closure plate 48 is provided with a plurality of projecting studs .54 carrying at their outer ends a switch bracket 55. Spacing collars 56 and .51 are mounted on studs 5 l and serve to clamp bimetallic snap acting-disc 38 therebetween. The elements 48, 55, 56-.and 51 are clamped together by nuts 58' on bolts 54.

Valve plug element 47 is provided with a projecting portion 58 extending through enclosure element 48 and connected to thermostatic element 34 by means of an adjusting screw 59, which isthreadedly engaged in a collar 59 rigidly attached to disc 34. Valve plug member 471 in one extreme position of its movement contacts avalve seat 60 to shut off the gas supply to the gas burner, and in its other extreme position ofmovement valve plug 47 contacts a valve seat 6| to prevent gas leakage along ex tension 58.

Bracket member 55 is generally U-shaped in cross section and forms the mounting for the switch 3|. Switch 3| comprises a stationary contact 63 and a movable contact 64. Stationary contact 63 is mounted on a contact plate 69 attached to bracket 55 by means of nut and bolt 65 and 66. Supporting bolt 65 passes through an insulating collar 61' mounted in an extending portion of bracket 55. An insulating plate 68 is interposed between contact strip 69 and bracket 55. A lock washer I0 is interposed between contact strip 69 and nut 65 on bolt .66. Contact screw 63 has threaded engagement with contact strip 69 and is rigidly connected thereto by means of lock nut II and lock washer 12. The end of contact strip 69 remote from contact 63 is connected to wire 32 by means of bolt 13.

Movable contact 64 is made of spring material and is normally urged toward circuit closing position. The fixed end of contact 64 is rigidly attached to supporting bracket 55 by means of a bolt 14 passing through an insulating collar 15 mounted in bracket 55. Contact 64 is spaced and insulated from bracket 55 by means of an insulating plate 16 through which bolt 14 extends. A contact plate 11 is also mounted on bolt 74. The elements 64, 14, 15, I6 and 11 are rigidly connected together and to the supporting bracket 55 by means of nut 18. Current supply wire 38 is connected to contact plate H by means of screw connector 19.

Movable contact element 64 is adjustably connected to snap acting thermostatic disc 34 by means of an extension of screw 59. 'Adjusting screw 59 carries an adjustable insulating block 80, which is locked in adjusted position on screw 59 by means of a lock nut on the free end thereof which bears in a cupped opening 8| in contact strip 64 in order to move the contact to open position. The contact is moved to closed position by its own spring bias.

Adjustment of the temperature range of the gas valve and electric switch in moving from jon position to o position or vice verse, is secured by an adjustable pressure member 82 which is constructed of spring material and is rigidly secured to bracket 55 by means of a rivet 83. The free end of pressure member 82 is turned at right angles to the body of said member and bears upon the surface of bimetallic disc 34. In order to vary the pressure exerted on disc 34 by pressure member 82, a collar 84 is rigidly attached to bracket 55 and screw threadedly receives an adjusting plug 85 which bears on pressure member 84 at a point intermediate the fixed and free ends thereof.

The end of the member 85 remote from pressure member 82 is squared and is slidably received in a square collar 86 which is non-rotatably attached to a control dial shaft 81 by means of a pin 88'. Collar member 86 bears on a washer member 88 attached to a reduced portion of shaft 87 to prevent outward movement of shaft 81. Washer 88 bears on a collar 89 surrounding shaft 81 and rigidly attached to the front wall of housing member 35. A collar member 60 is rigidly attached to shaft 81 and bears on the outer end of collar 89 to prevent inward movement of shaft 81. Shaft 81 extends through an opening formed in control panel 31 and carries a controlling dial 9| on the outer end thereof.

In order to stop the operation of the circuand screws 93. The actuating handle 94 of switch 92 extends through slots formed in the front wall of housing 35 and in the control panel 31. Switch 92 is interposed between the supply line 29 and the inert gas fan motor 28. The wires 29, 30 and 32 are led out of the housing 35 through an insulating grommet 95 mounted in rear wall 40.

In this form of the invention initial adjustment of the valve 41 is made by adding or subtracting shim washers 50 to the space between the elements 44 and 48. The movable contact 64 of the switch is adjusted by changing the position of insulating actuating collar 80 on the shaft 59.

The operation of this form of the invention is as follows: Control dial 9| is settable to produce any desired average temperature in the evaporator. When the temperature of the evaporator rises above a predetermined value, bimetallic disc 34 becomes stressed and eventually snaps over center against the resistance of pressure member 82 and simultaneously opens valve port 60, and closes the contact of switch 3| thereby setting the gas burner in operation to produce refrigerant vapor and setting the inert gas circulating fan in operation to circulate the fluid in the inert gas and absorption liquid circuits. After a certain length of time the temperature of the evaporator will drop below another predetermined point at which time bimetallic disc 34 will be snapped in the opposite direction and will snap valve 60 into closed position and open the contacts of switch 3|, thereby placing the system out of operation. Increasing the pressure applied to the bimetallic disc 34 by the pressure member 82 raises the effective temperature maintained in the evaporator. Decreasing the effective pressure of member 82 on bimetallic disc 34 lowers the efiective temperature maintained in the evaporator.

Defrosting may be accomplished by opening the circuit to the circulating motor by means of manual switch 92, thus preventing circulation of the inert gas and as a consequence thereof evaporation of refrigerant liquid in the evaporator. As a result of this action, the temperature of the evaporator eventually rises sufliciently high to melt frost accumulated thereon. After the frost has been melted, switch 92 may be closed and normal operation of the system resumed. During the defrosting period the gas valve may or may not be open. If the gas valve is open, warm liquid refrigerant will be discharged from the condenser into the evaporator and will hasten the defrosting process.

As an alternate method of defrosting, switch 92 may be eliminated and dial 9| turned to such an extent that the pressure exerted on bimetallic snap disc 34 by pressure member 82 is so great that it prevents opening of valve 60 and closing of switch 3I.

The control mechanism thus described is simple and sure in operation and it provides for absolute synchronization between the action of the gas valve and the inert gas circulating fan.

Figure 4 illustrates a modification of the invention wherein the gas valve and electric switch are simultaneously actuated by a bellows responsive to evaporator temperature through the medium of a snap-acting toggle mechanism. In this form of the invention the plug it? of the valve m3 and the movable contact 55 of the switch I3i are rigidly connected together by means of an arm ltd. Arm N10 is pivotally connected to a snap link Ilii at I02. Link ml is pivotally mounted at I03 on a fixed pivot pin. An

actuating link I04 is pivotally mounted on pin I03 and is pivotally connected at I05 to an actuating lever I06 rigidly attached to a bellows I01. Snap spring I08 is connected to the pivots I02 and I05.

The end of the bellows opposite to the sna acting mechanism is rotatably mounted on a rigid rearwardly projecting threaded adjusting mem-' ber I09 which is screw threadedly mounted in a rigid support I I attached to any convenient part of the refrigerating cabinet or framework mechanism. The evaporator E is provided with a forward upwardly extending control panel I31 and on its top mounts a supporting block I I I through which extends the controlling shaft II2 of the control mechanism. The forward end of shaft H2 is provided with an actuating dial I9I and its rear end carries a drive pulley II3 around which is trained a flexible cable II4 which also extends around a drive pulley II5 on an extending portion IIB of adjusting bolt I09.

The flexible bellows I01 is in open communication with one end of a small hollow tube I I1 which communicates at its opposite end with a bulb element I I8 containing an expansible fluid and positioned in thermal contact with the wall of the evaporator E.

The gas supply and burner system I2I, I22, I23, I24, I25, I25 and I21 corresponds to the system 2I, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 21 of Figure 1, respectively.

The electrical system I28, I29, I30, I3I, I64, I92, and I94 corresponds to the system 28, 29, 30, 3|, 64, 92, and 94 of Figures 1 and 2 respectively.

This form of the invention operates in the same manner as the form disclosed in Figures [to 3. The bellows I01 expands and contracts in response to changes in pressure of the fluid therein contained induced by temperature ohangesin the evaporator E and transmitted to the bellows from the bulb element II8 by conduit I I1. Expansion and contraction of bellows I01 moves the snap actuating link I04 between the full and dotted line positions shown in the drawings. The movement of link I04 to the dotted line position of the drawings swings spring I08 across the center of pivot I03 causing the valve plug I41 to snap to open position and the movable contact I64 of switch I3I to snap to closed position thus placing a full flame on the burner and starting the circulating fan motor. Movement of dial I9I, through the medium of threaded stud I09, advances or retracts the expansible bellows I01 to change its position relative to the snap mechanism to thereby change the temperatures at which the bellows I01 opens and closes the valve and switch.

Defrosting may be accomplished by opening switch 392 or by retracting bellows $01 'to such an extentthat it is unable to expand sufficiently to open the valve and close the switch Figure 5 illustrates a third modification of the invention wherein the switch for controlling the inert gas circulating fan motor is actuated in response to gas pressure rather than by means of a direct mechanical connection between the switch and the thermally responsive element.

In this form of the invention, the evaporator, control valve, and thermal bulb arrangement are identical with that shown in Figure The bellows 29 operates to open and close the gas valve plug fi l? with a snap motion by means'of the linkage mechanism Zili to inclusive, and 200 which is similar to the mechanism Itll to tilt, inelusive, and *303 described in connection with Figure 4. The arm 200 acts only on the gas valve plug 241.

The switch 231 which controls the inert gas circulating fan motor 228 is actuated by means of an expansible bellows 220 through the medium of a link 232. The switch 23l is preferably of the snap acting variety.. Bellows 220 is connected to the gas supply line between the control valve and gas burner by means of a small pipe 250.

Theparts 22! to 230, inclusive, 241, 292 and 294 correspond respectively to the parts 2| to 30, inclusive, 41, 92, and 94 described in connection with Figures 1 and 2. The parts 2), 2M to 211, inclusive, and 209 correspond respectively to the parts H0, I to H1, inclusive, and'l09 describe in connection with Figure 4.

In the operation of this form of the invention, the position of the bellows 201 is adjusted by means of a dial operatively connected to the cable 2 to shift the position of the bellows relative to the snap mechanism, Expansion and contraction of the bellows in response to changes in the evaporator temperature actuates the gas valve plug 241 to open and closed positions to control the gas burner. snapped to open position, the burner will imme- 'diately increase from a pilot to a full flame oper- 'ation. The pressure of the gas in pipe 224 passing through burner 22! is transmitted to bellows 220 through the restricted pipe250. As the gas pressure is transmitted from pipe 224 through pipe 250 into bellows 220, bellows 220 expands and closes switch 23! to place the inert gas circulating fan motor 228 in operation. The gas pressure in conduit 224 due to the pilot by-pass 221 is ins'ufllcient to actuate bellows 220. Due to the restricted pipe 250, there is a definite lapse of time between full flame operation of the burner and initiation of operation of the motor .228; likewise when the gas burner control valve plug 241 is snapped to closed position, there is a lag between the times at which the burner returns to a mere pilot flame and the time at which switch 23! is open to stop operation of motor 228.

In the operation of this form of the device a slight time lag is provided in order to allow the burner to assume full flame operation and to begin vaporization of refrigerant vapor from the solution contained in theboiler before the time at which the circulating fan is placed in operation; and it also provides a definite time lag between the periods of burner shut-ofi and motor shut-off.

Normal control and defrosting are accomplished in the manner described in connection with the modification of Figure 4.

This system is advantageous due to the fact that the inert gas and absorption liquid are not circulated unnecessarily immediately the system is put into operation but are delayed a slight period to allow the burner to .drive off some refrigerent vapor to the condenser and to thus weaken the absorption solution in the boiler adjacent the absorber return line l6. Likewise, when the gas burner is shut off, there will be some refrigerant liquid collecting in the evaporator due to vapor driven off from the boiler just prior to burner shut-off and this vapor will be evaporated and conveyed to the absorber prior to shut-01f of the inert gas'circulating fan motor.

While I have illustrated and described several embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that these-are to be taken as illustrative When the valve plug 241 is only and not in a limiting sense. I do not wish to be limited to the precise structure shown but to include all equivalent variations thereof except as limited by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. The method of maintaining a space to be refrigerated between predetermined lower and upper temperature limits which comprises the steps of generating a refrigerant vapor from solution, liquefying the vapor so generated, evaporating the liquid refrigerant in the presence of an inert gas to produce refrigeration, absorbing the refrigerant vapor from the inert gas, circulating the inert gas by power means, circulating the absorption solution by introducing inert gas thereinto until the temperature of the space to be refrigerated reaches said lower predetermined temperature limit, and then discontinuing the generation of vapor and circulation of inert gas and absorption solution until the temperature of the space to be refrigerated reaches said predetermined upper temperature limit.

2. The method of controlling a refrigerating systemof the pressure equalized ,type having a heat producing means to produce refrigerant vapor and power-driven means to circulate fluids in the system which comprises starting and stopping operation of the heat producing means in response to demand for refrigeration, and starting and stopping operation of said power-driven means in response to starting and stopping of the heat producing means but later in time.

3. In combination, a generator, a condenser, an evaporator, an absorber, connections forming a refrigerant circuit from the generator to the evaporator, connections forming an inert gas circuit between the evaporator and absorber, connections forming an absorbent circuit between the generator and absorber, a motor-driven fan for circulating inert gas, a bleed line from the inert gas circuit connected to circulate fluid in another circuit by gas lift action, a source of heat for the generator, 2. temperature responsive device positioned to be affected by the evaporator temperature, and means operated by said temperature responsive device controlling the operation of said motor-driven fan and said source of heat.

4. A control device for three fluid absorption refrigerating systems of the type utilizing a gas burner to heat a portion of the system and a motor-driven means to circulate fluid in the system, comprising a control housing mounted on the evaporator, a snap-acting temperature responsive disc rigidly supported at its edges in the housing, switch means in the housing connected to-"control said motor-driven means, a gas valve in said housing connected to control operation of said gas burner, and means connecting said switch and said gas valve to said disc for simultaneous operation.

5. A control device for three fluid absorption refrigerating systems of the type utilizing a 'gas burner to heat a portion of the system and a motor-driven means to circulate fluid in the system, comprising a control housing mounted on the evaporator, a snap-acting temperature responsive 4 said gas burner, means connecting said switchand said gas valve to said disc for simultaneous operation, resilient means bearing on one face of said disc, and adjustable means bearing on trol said gas burner, a switch connected to control said motor, an expansible bellows device connected to be'respo-nsive to demand for refrigeration, a snap-acting toggle mechanism connected to be operated by said bellows, and means connecting said snap-acting toggle mechanism to said gas valve and said switch {or simultaneous operation. I

7. A control device for three fluid absorption refrigerating systems of the type utilizing a gas burner to heat a portion of the system and a motor-driven means to circulate fluid in the system, comprising a gas valve connected to control said gas burner, a switch connected to control said motor, an expansible bellows device connected to be responsive to demand for refrigeration, a snap-acting toggle mechanism connected to be operated by said bellows, means connecting said snap-acting toggle mechanism to said gas valve and said switch for simultaneous operation, and means connected to adjust the operating temperatures of said bellows.

8. A control device for three fluid absorption refrigerating systems of the type utilizing a gas burner to heat a portion of the system and a motor-driven means to circulate fluid in the system, comprising a gas valve connected to control said gas burner, a switch connected to control said motor, an expansible bellows device connected to be responsive to demand for refrigeration, a snap-acting toggle mechanism connected to be operated by said bellows, means connecting said snap-acting toggle mechanism to said gas valve and said switch for simultaneous operation, means connected to adjust the operating temperatures of said bellows, and manually movable means mounted on said evaporator for controlling said adjusting means.

9. A control device for three fluid absorption refrigerating systems of the type utilizing a gas burner to heat a portion, of the system and a motor-driven means to circulate fluid in the system, comprising a gas valve connected to control operation of said gas burner, a switch connected to control operation of said motor, an'

expansible bellows connected to-be responsive to demands for refrigeration, a snap-acting meched to control operation of said motor, an expansible bellows connected to be responsive to demands for refrigeration, a snap-acting mechanism connected to be operated by said bellows, means operably connecting said gas valve and snap-acting mechanism, means responsive to opening of said gas valve operable to close said switch, and means connected to adjust the operating temper atures of said bellows.

11. A control device for three fluid absorption refrigerating systems of the type utilizim a gas burner to heat a portion or the systemanda motor-driven means to circulate fluid in thesystem, comprising a gas valve connected to control operation of said gas burner, a switch connected to control operation of said motor, an expansible. bellows connected to be responsive to demands for refrigeration, a snap-acting mechanism connected to be operated by said bellows, means operably connecting said gas valve and snap-acting mechanism, means responsive to opening of said gas valve operable to close said switch, means connected to adjust the operating temperatures of said bellows, and manually movable means mounted on said evaporator for controlling said adjusting means.

12. In combination, a generator, a condenser, an evaporator, an absorber, connections forming a refrigerant circuit from the generator to the evaporator, connections forming an inert gas circuit between the evaporator and absorber, connections forming an absorbent circuit between the generator and absorber, a motor-driven fan for circulating inert gas, a bleed line from the inert gas circuit connected to circulate fluid in another circuit by gas-lift action, a source of heat forthe generator, a temperature responsive device positioned to be affected by the evaporator temperature, means 0 rated by said temperature responsive device controlling the operation 01' said motor-driven fan and said source of heat,f

and manually operated means connected to discontinue operation of said motor-driven fan independently of said temperature responsive device.

13. A refrigerating system including an evaporator, means to circulate fluids through the system including a motor and a gas burner, means for supplying gas to said burner, a valve controlling said supply means, a thermostat responsive to evaporator temperature connected to control said valve, a switch connected to control said a motor, an expansible bellows connected to operate said switch, and means providing a restricted connection between saidbellows and said gas supply line whereby said switch is operated" whenever gas is supplied to said burner.

14. In combination with an absorption refrigerating system having a fuel burner adapted to heat a boiler, and a motor driven fan to circulate inert gas through a portion of said system, control mechanism comprising a temperature responsive element, a fuel supply valve controlling the operation of said burner, an electrical switch controlling said motor driven circulator, means under the control of said temperature responsive element for operating said valve andswitch to opened or closed position for controlling the operation of said refrigerating system in accord with temperature, conditions, and manually op erable means for changing the temperature adiustment of said thermostatic element.

15. In combination with an absorption reirigerating system having a fuel burner adapted.

to heat a boiler, and a motor driven, fan to cir-, culate inert gas through a portion of said system,

control mechanism comprising a temperature responsive disc, a fuel supply valve controlling the operation of said burner, an electrical switch controlling said motor driven circu1ator,,means under the control of said temperature responsive disc for operating said valve and switch to opened or closed position for controlling the operation of said refrigerating system in accord with temperature conditions, and manually operable means for changing the temperature adjustment of said thermostatic disc.

16. In combination with an absorption refrigerating System having a fuel burner adapted to heat a boiler, and a motor driven fanto circulate inert gas through a portion of said system, control mechanism comprising a temperature responsive'disc, a fuel supply valve controlling the operation of said burner, an electrical switch controlling said motor driven circulator, means under the control of said temperature responsive disc for operating said valve and switch to opened or closed position for controlling the operation of said refrigerating system in accord with temperature conditions, a. resilient arm mounted with one end thereof adjacent said disc, and manually operable means for urging said arm against said disc at variable pressures.

17. In combination with an absorption refrigerating system having a fuel burner adapted to heat a boiler, and a motor driven fan to circulate inert gas through a portion of said system, control mechanism comprising a temperature responsive element, a fuel supply valve controlling the operation of said burner, an electrical switch controlling said motor driven circulator, means under the control of said temperature responsive element for operating said valve and switch to opened or closed position for controlling .the operation of said refrigerating system in accord with temperature conditions, and manually operable means for changing the temperature adjustment of said thermostatic element, and a manually operable defrosting switch serially connected with said motor control switch.

18. A control device for three-fluid absorption refrigerating systems of the type utilizing a gas burner to heat a portion of the system and a motor-driven means to circulate fluid in the system, comprising a gas valve connected to control said gas burner, a switch connected to control said motor, thermostatic means arranged to be responsive to demand for refrigeration, a snap-acting toggle mechanism connected to be operated by said thermostatic means, means connecting said snap-acting toggle mechanism to said gas valve and said switch for simultaneous operation, and means connected to adjust the operating temperatures of said thermostatic means.

19. In combination with an absorption refrigerating system having a fuel burner adapted to heat a boiler, and a motor driven fan to circulate inert gas through a portion of said system, control mechanism comprising a temperature responsive element, a fuel supply valve controlling the operation of said burner adapted to reduce the flame thereon to an igniting flame, flame failure responsive means for completely stoppingthe supply of fuel to said burner, an electrical switch controlling said motor driven circulator, means under the control of said temperature' responsive element for operating said valve and switch for regulating the operation of said refrigerating system in accord with temperature conditions, and manually operable means for changing the temperature adiustment of said thermostatic element.

I 20. Absorption refrigerating apparatus of the three-fluid type comprising a generator, an. absorber, a condenser, an evaporator and a power operated fluid circulator connected in circuit, a heater for said generator, control means for til the boiler has reached rendering said heater operative and inoperative in response to refrigeration demands, and control means for said fluid circulator constructed and arranged to de-energize said fluid circulator in time delay relationship with de-energization of said heater.

21. That method of operating an absorption refrigerating apparatus having heating means for the boiler and means for circulating an inert pressure equalizing medium between the evaporator and absorber which comprises energizing the heating means responsive to a demand for refrigeration and delaying the operation of said inert medium circulating means until the boiler has reached an operating temperature.

22. That method of operating an absorption refrigerating apparatus having a heating means for the boiler, means for circulating the inert pressure equalizing medium between the evaporator and absorber, and means for circulating an absorbent between the boiler and absorber which comprises energizing the heating means responsive to a demand for refrigeration and delaying the operation of said inert medium circulating means and solution circulation means unan operative temperature.

23. Absorption refrigerating apparatus including a boiler, a heater therefor, a fluid circulator, control means for rendering said heater operative or inoperative in accord with refrigerating demand, and means for rendering said fluid circulator operative or inoperative in time delay relationship with said heater.

24. Absorption refrigerating apparatus comprising a generator, a liquefier, an evaporator and a fluid circulator connected in circuit, a heater for said generator, means for governing the operation of said heater in response to refrigeration demand, and means for rendering said circulator operative after said generator has been heated sufliciently by said heater to expel refrigerant vapor and for rendering said circulator inoperative when said generator ceases to expel refrigerant vapor.

25. Absorption refrigerating apparatus comprising an inert gas circuit including an evaporator and an absorber, a solution circuit including a generator and said absorber, an electric motor driven fan in said inert gas circuit for propellin inert gas therethrough, a gas lift pump circulator in said solution circuit, means for supplying pumping gas from said inert gas circuit to said gas lift pump, a heater for said generator, control means for said heater, and means for rendering said fan operative after said generator has been heated sufliciently by said heater to expel refrigerant vapor and for rendering said fan inoperative when said boiler ceases to expel refrigerant vapor.

26. Absorption refrigerating apparatus comprising an inert gas circuit including an evaporator and an absorber, a solution circuit including a generator and said absorber, means for heating said generator, means for regulating the operation of said heating means in accord with the demand for refrigeration, and means set in operation after expulsion of refrigerant vapor from said generator has begun for circulating the inert gas and solution through said inert gas and solution circuits, respectively.

CURTIS C. COONS. 

